Nanaimo RCMP is looking for information about a vehicle and its occupants believed to be connected to a homicide at a Wendy’s restaurant last week.
Police said they believe the pearl-white Cadillac Escalade SUV was in Nanaimo a few days prior to the daytime shooting at Rock City Centre, which left one man dead. Police seized the vehicle but want to know more about its movements in the days leading up the homicide.
Three suspects with ties to the Lower Mainland were arrested and released pending further investigation, police said. RCMP said they do not think there is a risk to the public.
“These investigations are complex and we are committed to keeping Nanaimo and its citizens safe. The continued cooperation from the public is critical to have these perpetrators held accountable,” said Acting Inspector Donovan Tait.
Police are also looking to speak with anyone who may have been walking or driving through the plaza at the time of the shooting, which occurred around 3:30 p.m. on May 20. RCMP said they are particularly interested in speaking with a woman who was seen walking towards the Jumping Jiminy’s Playground & Café.
“We believe this event has a nexus to the ongoing gang conflict and violence currently plaguing a number of Lower Mainland communities,” said Tait.
Investigators will be conducting a massive video-surveillance canvass from commercial properties and residential areas in a number of locations in Nanaimo, according to RCMP.
“We would like express our sincere thanks to those alert citizens who contacted police in a timely fashion providing valuable information to our investigators as this event unfolded, resulting in the arrests made,” said Tait. “These witness reports had a direct impact on our ability to take these individuals into custody quickly and safely. We have received great cooperation from many in the public contacting us with additional information helping us fill in some gaps, but we do need more.”
Anyone with dash cam video from the area of Rock City Plaza from 3:15–3:45 p.m. on May 20 can call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and quote file #2021-18372.
